Creating Narratives to Change Lives & Societies | Kristy Wallace | TEDxGriffith
In 2017, Kristy Wallace's son, Paddy, was diagnosed with a brain tumour, leading to severe health challenges, including blindness. After a painful period of feeling like a victim, Kristy found inspiration in a quote by Viktor Frankl, which motivated her to shift her narrative toward gratitude. She began recognizing small blessings during hospital stays, eventually leading to the “Patrick Wallace Gratitude Project,” a film celebrating their journey and the support they received. By fostering high expectations for Paddy, Kristy aims to change societal narratives about disabilities, demonstrating that positive narratives can transform lives and promote inclusivity and understanding A high school teacher of Society and Culture and French, Kristy has a background in International Relations and worked for several years as a Refugee Resettlement Case Worker in Wagga Wagga.Kristy is a passionate educator with a commitment to social inclusion and wellbeing. With the support of Murrumbidgee Health grants she coordinated the first ‘Braille Bombing’ event in regional Australia to promote awareness and inclusion for people with vision impairment in her community. She has also created and facilitated resilience and wellbeing workshops for adolescents and their parents in the Riverina.Kristy enjoys raising her three children in the peace and quiet of the family farm and spending time up the paddock soaking in the beauty of nature and making memories. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
More from TED
- 14:44Virtual Reality or Real Connection? The Dilemma of the Digital Age | Chrysoula Lazou | TEDxDUTHIn the digital age, we are more connected than ever, yet we often feel more isolated. She explores the paradox of technological connectivity and human disconnection, focusing on virtual reality, digital tools, and their impact on our perception of relationships. With a balanced perspective, she examines both the opportunities and challenges these technologies bring, emphasizing the importance of critical thinking and mindful use of technology to enhance—not replace—our real human connections. Chrysoula (Chryssa) Lazou holds degrees in English, Distance Education, and Immersive Technologies. A researcher at AETMA Lab, D.U.Th., she is pursuing a PhD on technology-enhanced learning for digital and media literacy. Her work explores AR/VR/xR and AI in education. She is an IVLP alumna, Vice President of the International Association for Blended Learning, and Co-Chair of the VR/AR Association – Universities & Colleges Committee. She has led media literacy projects in Southeastern Europe and has received multiple awards, including the UNESCO Global MIL Alliance Award (2nd Prize, 2022) and the Governor General’s Gold Academic Award (2019/2020). This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 11:37Discovering the Future: The Mycelium Bio-Architecture | Efstathios Gavriilidis | TEDxDUTHEfstathios Gavriilidis takes us on a journey into the world of mycelium, an amazing natural material with the potential to transform architecture and production. Through his personal experience and research, he reveals how mycelium can be used to create sustainable, ecological, and even edible structures. His speech is a challenge to redefine our relationship with nature and seek innovative solutions for a more sustainable future. Efstathios Gavriilidis, born in Ptolemaida Greece, studied Architecture at Democritus University of Thrace, Greece. Guided by the concept of Homo Universalis, he explored various disciplines through workshops and seminars in Greece and abroad, focusing on natural building, traditional techniques, materiality, technology, and art. A pivotal architectural journey in 2022 deepened his interest in construction innovation. He completed his studies in May 2024 with a thesis on biomaterials and mycelium in architecture, which later led to his first scientific publication. He now seeks to apply interdisciplinary approaches to contemporary architectural practice. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 15:18How psychological safety fuels innovation | Leo Chan | TEDxUofTMississaugaWhat’s the biggest barrier to innovation? Fear. And what’s the key to overcoming it? Psychological safety. Drawing from his life experiences from student designer to corporate innovator, innovation expert Leo Chan reveals how creating safe environments unleashes bold ideas, strengthens relationships and drives extraordinary innovation.Learn how to move from fear to flourishing—and why YOU hold the power to shape the future by fostering psychological safety in every interaction. This talk is your invitation to unlock your innovative potential and change the world.Leo Chan is an innovation expert, keynote speaker, and LEGO®️ SERIOUS PLAY®️ trainer & facilitator on a mission to unleash innovation in everyone. As the Chief Innovation Igniter at Abound Innovation Inc., he has helped organizations— from nonprofits to Fortune 500s—unlock their employees’ full innovative potential. With 55 U.S. patents and 20+ years of experience, he’s taught over 35,000 professionals worldwide. He’s also a LinkedIn Learning Instructor. Leo’s approach to teaching innovation is approachable, practical, fun, playful, and most importantly, impactful. His infectious energy and passion both inspire and equip participants to be empowered to make change. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 16:49The Climate Crisis: From Excuses to Action | Nikos Charalambides | TEDxDUTHIn this talk, Nikos Charalambides, head of the Greenpeace Greek office, analyzes the urgent need for action against the climate crisis. He reveals the excuses and obstacles that delay the implementation of solutions, while presenting specific proposals for changes in the field of energy, agriculture, nutrition and urban development. All in all, he encourages young people to take initiatives, challenge conventional solutions and create a sustainable future for the planet. Nikos Charalambides studied Physics at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and completed postgraduate studies in Meteorology and Oceanography in Paris and Athens. Active in environmental protection since 1985, he joined Greenpeace in 1992, leading the marine ecology campaign. Since 2002, he has served as General Director of Greenpeace Greece. In recent years, he has focused on Sustainable Development and has authored books and articles on environmental protection, civil society, climate change, energy, and sustainability. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 11:41Ξαναβρίσκω τη φωνή μου: η ανάκαμψη απ' την νευρική ανορεξία | Manuella Emmanoulopoulou | TEDxDUTHΣε αυτή την ομιλία, η Μανουέλλα Εμμανουλοπούλου μοιράζεται την προσωπική της ιστορία για τη μάχη της με την ανορεξία και το δύσκολο ταξίδι προς την ανάκαμψη. Με ειλικρίνεια και ευαισθησία, περιγράφει πώς η διατροφική διαταραχή επηρέασε τη ζωή της, τις προκλήσεις που αντιμετωπίζει και τα βήματα που έκανε για να ανακτήσει τον έλεγχο. Η ομιλία της αποτελεί μια πηγή έμπνευσης και ελπίδας για όσους αγωνίζονται με παρόμοια προβλήματα, ενώ παράλληλα ευαισθητοποιεί το κοινό σχετικά με τις διατροφικές διαταραχές και την ανάγκη για έγκαιρη βοήθεια. Manuella Emmanoulopoulou is a Greek YouTuber and Social Media Creator who launched her channel in 2011. Manuella is an experienced Social Media Specialist with a demonstrated history of working in the social media and marketing industry. With a background in Economics and International Business from the University of Strathclyde, she has built a strong connection with her audience through her engaging videos. Known for her authenticity, Manuella also uses her platform to raise awareness about Eating Disorders, sharing her personal experience to inspire and encourage others to take action. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 12:16Empreender é Evoluir | Anselmo Octavio Francisco | TEDxBeiraComo o empreendedorismo pode mudar a sua vida Engenheiro Mecatrônico e Técnico de Eletricidade com mais de 12 anos de experiência em manutenção e operação de sistemas elétricos em pipeline, além de ser fundador de uma empresa líder em Moçambique no setor de eletricidade e automação residencial e industrial. Possuo uma sólida formação técnica e acadêmica, com experiência em projetos desafiadores e liderança de equipes. Meu objetivo é continuar a crescer profissionalmente, compartilhando meu conhecimento de forma acessível e clara, e assumir cargos de liderança em multinacionais ou dentro do setor de pipelines em Moçambique e Zimbábue. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx